jkw3000 wrote:Feel bad for IT. Kinda player you always want to root for...even if he really tops out as a championship-caliber sixth man more than a starter. Even at his most engaged (which he usually isn't), he's just not capable of good defense given his stature...and that was before the injury. Think he'd be better off shutting it down for the rest of the year, rehabbing, and taking a one-year prove-it contract next season if he still wants to earn a max later.

I feel bad for him too. He had no business being back on the court yet - not in that capacity. Pushing hard to play like his old self was only going to get him injured. The business end of the NBA is a cold mother. I understand his frustration, but still, he isn't exactly carrying himself the right way. He needs to suck it up, train hard, get back to his old self and let his ballin do the talkin.

jkw3000 wrote:Feel bad for IT. Kinda player you always want to root for...even if he really tops out as a championship-caliber sixth man more than a starter. Even at his most engaged (which he usually isn't), he's just not capable of good defense given his stature...and that was before the injury. Think he'd be better off shutting it down for the rest of the year, rehabbing, and taking a one-year prove-it contract next season if he still wants to earn a max later.

I feel bad for him too. He had no business being back on the court yet - not in that capacity. Pushing hard to play like his old self was only going to get him injured. The business end of the NBA is a cold mother. I understand his frustration, but still, he isn't exactly carrying himself the right way. He needs to suck it up, train hard, get back to his old self and let his ballin do the talkin.

IT needs to rebrand himself as a sixth man, a consistent shooter. He is just too small, zero defensive ability and frankly his speed is not what it should be. NO team will win a ring with him as a starter, just not possible over a 7 game stretch. I am stunned that people think K. Thompson will be let go from the Warriors next year. Golden State have zero interest in breaking up a strong streak. Its their time now and rightly earned. Klay will not be forgotten come payday. Also giggling at rumors about Lebron moving to the Lakers. He is too old to consider a rebuild team and basically kindergarten. It will take a few seasons for the Laker kids to develop their skill and ability to close games and stop the whining. And Lebron has limited seasons in him due to his game play. He is no Kobe, a power player mostly and lord knows of the odds of a season ending injury at his age. Lebron needs another ring. He needs to go to a contender like Houston or Spurs with a fully recovered Leonard. Lakers no longer hold that kind of prestige and a possible PG just lacks consistency.

It's a fun time to think about all these crazy trades and what the future could hold. But right now its Warriors and Boston. No one comes close.

Houston's definitely a contender, the only real worry is still that Harden will be low in the tank deep in the playoffs, even with CP3. And I gotta believe the Raptors are actually more capable of making noise than I'd like, esp with DeRozan's 3 point shot now.

And agreed on all points about IT. I love the guy for the chip on his shoulder and for his rise from Mr. Irrelevant...but when guys like CP3 could shoot over you, you're just never gonna be the star of a championship team. Not unless you can compensate on defense in some other way, like steals or whatever. Either way, unfortunate...and not great when he's been part of the reason by spouting off on the team.

A lot happened at the deadline, but it's kinda mind boggling to think almost all the major movement was pretty much Cleveland. Least the back half's gonna be entertaining in the Land.

Regardless of how poor they seem to play against teams they should be beating, I am going to jump to conclusions and say a completely healthy(sans Roberson) OKC will upset their way to at least the Conference Finals, and take who ever is there to a game 7. At that point it will be a toss up, but I call a OKC v BOS finals. At least that's my dream scenario.

afrosteeziac wrote:Regardless of how poor they seem to play against teams they should be beating, I am going to jump to conclusions and say a completely healthy(sans Roberson) OKC will upset their way to at least the Conference Finals, and take who ever is there to a game 7. At that point it will be a toss up, but I call a OKC v BOS finals. At least that's my dream scenario.

I share the same dream.

But in reality we're drymounted. The wing rotation of Huestis-Ferguson-Abrines is the worst in the league.

Hopefully they can get one or two decent-ish players in the buyout market, but they'll probably lose out on the better ones to the Warriors, Rockets, Cavs, and Celtics...

EDIT: And as I typed, Brandan Wright - a perfect backup for Adams, has just joined the Rockets.

A lot of sniping at ‘The Land’, but they’re much better off after the trades, although I’ll miss Wade and Frye. The team was completely unwatchable and uncoachable ... zero effort, moping around, and jacking up shots for stats. IT is in better place, where he can now jack to his hearts content.

Even last night you could see a big difference, despite having only half a team and only against ATL, much more energy and ball movement.

Cavs got younger, longer, more athletic, and better shooting. Even though they still will be missing the secondary alpha and minimal time to gel as a team, I’m still excited to see what this team can become. At least they’ll compete ...

FlapJack wrote:’m still excited to see what this team can become. At least they’ll compete ...

Assuming Hill gets healthy, we know what to expect from him. What I'm really looking forward to is seeing whether Hood and Nance, who have always had to battle for minutes in their rotations, will do if they're given 30+ a night consistently.

I also gotta give Cleveland credit on Nance--bringing the son of one of Cleveland's greatest players into the org.

FlapJack wrote:Also, can we make those Miami Vice uni’s a permanent thing?

Best uni this year. I sure retailers were happy about the wade news, because I'm sure a Wade Vice jersey sells quite nice.

And somewhat speaking of jerseys, talk about a great photo op to have Nance in a throwback Cavs jersey during the slam dunk contest without having to worry about being on a different team. Great timing.